EU Rules

Violations against Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 of 24 September 2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing

Article 15: Handling and restraining operations at slaughterhouses3. The following methods of restraint shall be prohibited:(a) suspending or hoisting conscious animals;(b) mechanical clamping or tying of the legs or feet of animals;

ANNEX II: LAYOUT, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT OF SLAUGHTERHOUSES (as referred to in Article 14)2. Lairage facilities for animals not delivered in containers:2.5. Floors shall be built and maintained in such a way as to minimise the risk of animals slipping, falling or injuring their feet.

3. Restraining equipment and facilities3.1. Restraining equipment and facilities shall be designed, built and maintained to:(a) …(b) prevent injury or contusions to the animals;(c) minimise struggle and vocalisation when animals are restrained;(d) minimise the time of restraint.

1.8. It shall be prohibited to:(a) strike or kick the animals;(b) apply pressure to any particularly sensitive part of the body in such a way as to cause animals avoidable pain or suffering;(c) lift or drag the animals by the head, ears, horns, legs, tail or fleece, or handle them in such a way as to cause them pain or suffering;(d) ……. (e) twist, crush or break the tails of animals or grasp the eyes of any animal.

1.11. Animals which are unable to walk shall not be dragged to the place of slaughter, but shall be killed where they lie.